What is Emotional Intimacy, Really? and How to Create More of it: Episode 425
So many couples love each other deeply… yet still feel disconnected. They talk every day, but the conversations revolve around schedules, responsibilities, and what needs to get done next. In this episode, we're unpacking why emotional intimacy often fades in long-term relationships, not because the love is gone, but because genuine connection isn't being fed. You'll learn what emotional intimacy actually is (in practical, real-life terms), why so many partners misunderstand it, and the surprising psychology behind why couples get stuck in surface-level communication. Then we'll walk you through 5 simple, powerful actions that help you move from "talking" to truly connecting again. Whether your marriage feels good but could use a deeper spark, or you've been feeling like roommates who care about each other but don't feel emotionally close, this episode will give you clarity, hope, and next steps you can implement right away. If you're ready to reignite the spark and create more emotional and physical intimacy in your marriage, sign-up for our special edition 30-Day Couples Challenge, The Best of Us. It's only open 3 times per year and couples absolutely love it. Relationship Resources: If you are looking for our other top resources, you can find everything from guides, courses, events, and coaching here 👉 https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links
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Focus on the 3 C's to Feel Loved By Each Other Through the Holiday Season: Episode 424
The holidays can bring out both the best and the worst in a marriage. Between packed schedules, family dynamics, and endless to-do lists, it's easy for connection to get lost in the chaos. But this season doesn't have to feel like survival mode or that you are just getting through the functions. There are a few key areas in your relationship that—if you focus on them each day—can make you feel appreciated and united as a couple, no matter what the holidays throw your way. In this episode, we're sharing three powerful shifts with the "3C's" to help you stay emotionally close and work as a team through the holiday season. You'll walk away knowing exactly where to put your attention so the two of you can feel loved, supported, and in sync instead of drained or distant at the end of this holiday season. Desiring to bring back more affection, intimacy, and spark during this season 🔥 Join the 30-Day Best of Us Couples Challenge—open now—to reignite emotional and physical intimacy through small, daily actions. We only host this challenge 3x per year, so head to MyCouplesChallenge.com/Best to register for the January 1st start date! Relationship Resources: If you are looking for our top resources—everything from guides, to challenges, coaching, and live events, just visit 👉 https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links
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Discussing Holiday Expectations and Visiting In-Laws (To Prevent Chaos and Conflict): Episode 423
The holidays are supposed to feel relaxing and joyful. But for many couples, they're anything but. Between travel plans, family visits, and unspoken expectations, this season can quickly become chaotic, exhausting, and full of tension. One partner often ends up feeling like they're carrying most of the mental and emotional load, while the other doesn't realize how unbalanced it feels. In this episode, we're unpacking the real root of holiday stress in relationships: mismatched and unmet expectations. You'll hear the kinds of conversations you need to have to prevent disconnection and resentment. Everything from dividing travel and family responsibilities to setting boundaries with in-laws and staying emotionally connected as a couple. Because when you plan as a team, the holidays can actually bring you closer instead of pulling you apart. ✨ If you want the holidays to feel connected rather than chaotic - Join the Prioritizing Us 30-Day Couples Challenge starting December 1st. This will keep your love accounts full before the season begins so you can stay united through whatever the season brings. Register at: MyCouplesChallenge.com.
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Accidentally Squashing Your Partner's Excitement (When You're on Two Different Wavelengths in a Conversation): Episode 422
Have you ever shared an idea or dream with your spouse, something that genuinely excited you, only to have the energy immediately flattened by practicality or fear? In this episode, we're unpacking a dynamic that quietly drains energy and connection in many marriages: when one partner is in enthusiastic, imaginative energy and the other instantly shifts into logic and control mode. We'll explore why this happens, what it reveals emotionally for each partner, and how to respond in a way that keeps the energy between you alive instead of shutting it down. In this episode you'll hear: The hidden psychology behind why partners "squash" enthusiasm (even with good intentions) How to frame a conversation for your partner from the start, so you're on the same wavelength Practical shifts that help you stay connected and engaged, even when you see things differently Why joining in the energy doesn't mean agreeing to every idea How this dynamic slowly erodes emotional intimacy if you don't adjust If you've ever felt misunderstood for your excitement, or struggled to stay open when your spouse starts dreaming big, this conversation will help you both feel seen and stay on the same wavelength. If this episode resonates, grab our 3-Guide Bundle—a powerful trio of tools that help you communicate and stay connected during the moments that matter most: 📘 De-Escalating Conflicts 📘 Making Up & Moving Forward 📘 The Family Meeting Guide Get the bundle at meetthefreemans.com/links and start using the same tools we teach our couples every day.
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Can One Spouse Change the Marriage For the Better? Episode 421
As the holiday season approaches, many couples find themselves hitting a quiet but undeniable breaking point. Something about this stretch of time—from mid-October through the new year—brings things to the surface. Maybe it's the reflection that comes with the end of a year. Maybe it's the pressure of finances, family expectations, or feeling like life is flying by. But without the closeness you hoped to feel by now. For many, it's a season where the question "Can we really keep going like this?" starts to creep in. In this episode, we unpack a question so many couples wrestle with: Can one spouse change the marriage if the other isn't ready or willing? What happens when one person is trying, growing, learning... and the other seems stuck? Is it unfair to hope for more? Is it foolish to keep waiting? We're diving into the emotional weight of this question, why so many couples delay getting support, and what it really takes to shift the direction of your relationship. Especially in the seasons that feel the hardest. In this episode we cover: The surprising reason many marriages reach a breaking point during this season The #1 personality trait that determines whether couples make it through hard seasons Why some partners resist working on themselves or the relationship until separation is on the table What delays couples from getting help—and how much damage that can do The emotional cost of carrying the growth for two people To then interrupt destructive cycles and finally start moving forward together: 🎥 Watch the free 1-hour Marriage WebClass: [The 5 Root Causes of Conflict and Disconnection in Marriage & How to Overcome Them] This is the fastest way to learn what's really underneath recurring arguments, disconnection, and shutdowns—and how to turn it around together. Couples say it gave them more clarity than 6 months of counseling. 👉 Watch this Marriage WebClass now [with this link here] 👉 See all of our practical resources here - from couples challenges, guides, and in-person events.
Stay on the same team, no matter the challenge you face!
Jocelyn and Aaron Freeman, known as The Freemans, are the husband-and-wife duo behind viral marriage content seen by 20M+ couples every month. Both hold Master's degrees in Psychology, are authors, coaches, and parents... but what makes them stand out is how real and relatable their advice is. Most couples say: "Are they watching us?!"
This show gives couples the practical tools, real talk, and honest coaching that most relationships are missing. Whether you're in a tough season or just want to stay connected through the chaos of life, you'll walk away from every episode with something you can actually use.
If you're ready to improve communication, resolve conflict faster, and feel emotionally connected again, subscribe now. You'll want to binge past episodes and never miss what's next.
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